National Volunteer Week is April 16 to 22. Throughout the week, we’re celebrating The Food Bank of Waterloo Region’s more than 2,600 volunteers and recognizing the contributions they make each day so that people in our community have access to healthy and nutritious food. We’re also featuring some of our amazing volunteers on our blog and social media accounts to learn more about them and why they volunteer at The Food Bank. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn so you don’t miss a post.

Meet Angela Collins

Angela is pictured here at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

In Waterloo region, one in 14 households struggle to afford to put food on the table. Last year, that number was one in 20 households. With food insecurity rising at such a rapid rate, Angela Collins felt compelled to volunteer at The Food Bank of Waterloo Region.

“I’ve always been drawn to The Food Bank and the scope of the organization,” Angela explains. “Food insecurity is a huge issue. I thought it would be a good use of my time to volunteer and get food where it needs to go.”

Angela enjoys the flexibility and variety that comes with volunteering at The Food Bank. She chooses the shifts that interest her and work with her schedule. Sometimes, she’s in our Fresh Approaches Food Centre, our award-winning, onsite food processing facility where staff and volunteers slice, dice, and repackage dry, fresh, and frozen food. And sometimes, she’s in our engagement room, volunteering alongside companies and community groups sorting food.

She also enjoys volunteering at our events. Most recently, she helped at Canstruction, a week-long, annual event where teams build awe-inspiring structures with unopened food cans to raise food, funds, and awareness for The Food Bank.

Next up, she’ll be volunteering at Empty Bowls on May 31, a fundraiser in support of The Food Bank that’s hosted by Wilfrid Laurier University where those who purchase a ticket receive a meal and a bowl handcrafted by a member of the Waterloo Potters’ Workshop.

To people considering volunteering at The Food Bank, Angela says don’t overthink it.

“You don’t have to be skilled in anything to help in a meaningful way,” she says. “You can be used in any capacity if you’re willing to put a little effort into it. It all makes a difference.”

Are you interested in volunteering? Visit our website to learn more about the different volunteer roles and how you can help people in our community access the food they need.